Third Annual Camden Classic Regatta on tap for July 26-28

Presented by Lyman-Morse, the Camden Classics Cup, now in its third year, is a two-day regatta that opens the classic racing season in Maine. The 2018 dates are July 26-28.

Registration is open and this year dockage at Lyman-Morse at Wayfarer is included in the registration fee. As a result, 24 boats have registered as of end March. Proceeds from the Camden Classics Cup go to LifeFlight of Maine. Last year, the Camden Classics Cup presented LifeFlight a $10,000 check thanks to sponsorships and participation.

Regatta highlights and public events include the Camden Classics Cup fleet in dress ship parade through Camden Harbor and a fireworks display over Curtis Island on Saturday.

For regatta participants, CRF, Spirit of Tradition and PHRF racing on Friday and Saturday will be followed with post-race celebrations. Including a dance party at the Camden Yacht Club.

A new addition to the fleet this year is a Small Boat Division for sailing yachts of a waterline length of 24 feet and under. Camden Classics Cup is working with Alec Brainerd, president of Artisan Boatworks to develop this class. “We hope to draw in Dark Harbor 20s, North Haven Knockabouts (AKA Dark Harbor 17s), and Camden HAJ boats,” said Brainerd. “These classic fleets are integral to our summer sailing scene here in Penobscot Bay. It will be great to get them involved in the Camden Classics Cup.”

For sailors aged 12-17, the Camden Classics Cup Youth Regatta will be held Friday, July 27 in 420s. This special one-day race will be held just outside Camden Harbor. 48 racers aboard 24 boats are expected. There is no charge to participate. Maine, Boats Homes & Harbors will provide the awards and French & Brawn will supply lunches.

“Including a youth sailing event with the Camden Classics Cup is a wonderful way to introduce youth sailors to skippers meetings and ratings discussions that they normally wouldn’t see,” said Drew Lyman, President of Lyman-Morse. “It’s also a way for the entire midcoast area and the town of Camden to get more involved with sailing and on-water activities. Youth racers will attend the CCC Skippers Meeting Friday morning and on Saturday they will have the opportunity to be invited aboard the classic boats for the 10am Parade of Sail in Camden Harbor as well as the possibility to race in Penobscot Bay on Saturday afternoon.”

Participating sailing programs include Camden Area Youth Sailing Program (CAYSP); The Rockport Boat Club; The Apprenticeshop, Rockland; North Haven Casino; Castine Yacht Club; George Stevens Academy; Lincolnville Boat Club and Tarratine Club of Dark Harbor.

Registration is open and NOR and SI are posted on the event website. www.camdenclassicscup.com